Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) operates from multiple buildings integrated within Chicago's downtown Loop district, adjacent to its affiliated Art Institute of Chicago museum. The urban campus spans several historic buildings, including the landmark Modern Wing and the original 1893 Michigan Avenue structure, providing studio spaces, galleries, and specialized facilities for various artistic disciplines. As one of the most selective art and design schools in the United States, SAIC maintains a rigorous admissions process for its undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution offers comprehensive studies in fine arts, design, fashion, architecture, and art history, with particular strength in contemporary art practices and interdisciplinary approaches. Students reside primarily in two downtown residence halls, though many upper-level students opt to live in nearby Chicago neighborhoods, taking advantage of the city's artistic communities and cultural resources.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is rated within the top 44% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for School of the Art Institute of Chicago within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#464 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#325 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#18 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#16 in Best Private Colleges in Illinois
#594 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#29 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1048/1260 |
| ACT | 22/25 |
| GPA | 3.51 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Nov 15, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $2,380 |
| Other Fees | $980 |
| Room and Board | $16,100 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,180 |
| Total One Year Cost | $77,190 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 96% |
| English and Literature | 3% |
| Architecture | 2% |
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Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=143048 IPEDS survey data for School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Current students may use the School of the Art Institute of Chicago GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025